Ten Eastern Illinois University employees are the first recipients of the institution’s Superior Performance Award, designed to “acknowledge and reward demonstrated outstanding contributions” by EIU employees.

In addition to a certificate of recognition and a plaque, recipients each received a monetary award of $500 during an on-campus ceremony.

“The intent of this award is to recognize those employees exhibiting exceptional levels of performance,” said Richard Enyard, director of EIU’s Office of Human Resources.“We want our employees to know that we really value the work they do.”

Sponsored by Eastern’s Civil Service Council, the awards program acknowledges the work of non-negotiated civil service and administrative and professional (A&P) staff who “exemplify exceptional levels of work performance and display high regard and loyalty toward EIU and to their job responsibilities.”

“Individuals receiving this award exhibit exceptional customer service, display a positive can-do attitude, are team players, give extra effort, are creative in their ability to resolve problems, and are committed to the university mission,” Enyard said.

In addition to being a non-negotiated civil service or A&P employee, eligible individuals must have at least five years of consecutive EIU employment at the time of their nomination.Given that criteria, Enyard estimated that approximately 400 of the university’s nearly 1,800 employees were eligible for the award.

This is the first year of a three-year pilot program for the Superior Performance Award and represents the end of a multi-year planning process as organizers worked out the logistics.

“We’ll see how well these first three years go, then proceed from there,” Enyard said.

In addition to letting employees know that “the administration does appreciate the good work they do,” Enyard hopes the award will serve as a motivator, encouraging other employees “to strive for the same success level that award recipients have received.”

The seven-member SPA Selection Committee received nearly 70 valid nominations.Committee members scored each nomination based on the accompanying narrative; names were withheld during the reviewing process.

Susan DeRousse -- unit director, Housing and Dining; more than five years of service.

Jacqueline Joines -- director of philanthropy, University Advancement; more than 18 years of service.

Michelle Morgan -- administrative aide, School of Family and Consumer Science; more than 18 years of service.

Joshua Norman -- senior report analyst/technology support specialist, Office of the Registrar; more than five years of service.

Cheryl Siddens -- compliance coordinator, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs; more than 10 years of service.

Jean Toothman -- office administrator, English Department; more than 20 years of service.

According to Enyard, nominations for the 2014 Superior Performance Awards will be accepted through the end of November 2013.See http://www.eiu.edu/humanres/SuperiorPerfAward.php for information on eligibility, criteria and the nomination process.